Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations

Weight Gain Could Affect Health, Lifespan in Los Angeles County

Adults in Los Angeles County have gained an average of six pounds each over the past eight years, and 25% of county adults will be obese by 2010 if current trends continue, according to a study the county Department of Health Services released Thursday, the Los Angeles Daily News reports.

The weight gain could start to decrease life expectancy in the county by two to five years and lead to "big increases in diabetes, heart disease, stroke, muscular-skeletal problems and maybe an increase in some cancers," county Health Officer Jonathan Fielding said.

Latinos had the highest rate of obesity at 29%, compared with 28% of black adults, 17% of whites and 6% of Asians, the study found. The percentage of overweight school children increased to 22% in 2003 from 18% in 1999, according to the study.

DHS officials will meet on Friday with the Los Angeles Unified School District to address the issue and develop a plan. Officials are working to increase the amount of physical activity and health education in schools (Anderson, Los Angeles Daily News, 2/9).

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